The Durban University of Technology’s flag soared high at the recent Ocean Youth Challenge pitching event as two incubatees of the University’s entrepreneurial hub, the innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, walked away with a combined total of R50 000.
DUT student entrepreneurs Siyanda Sibiya and Amanda Mdladla were among the stars of the show at the Ocean Youth Challenge, held on Friday, 27 March 2026 at the prestigious Royal Natal Yacht Club, as they secured podium finishes and prize money of R30 000 and R20 000 respectively.
Sibiya is the founder and CEO of Blue Bricks Enterprise, an innovative and environmentally conscious company founded in 2025, while Mdladla, who holds an Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture, is the founder of Corroborate Garden, producing crops using organic fertilisers.
The highly anticipated Ocean Youth Challenge Pitching Event, part of the South African government’s broader oceans economy strategy to unlock potential and opportunities in the country’s vast oceans, brought together some of the brightest young minds passionate about ocean sustainability and innovation.
The event, directed by Zanele Mthembu, a Navigation Officer and Oil Chemical Tankers Education, Training and Development Specialist at Toastmasters International, served as a dynamic platform for youth entrepreneurs to present groundbreaking ideas aimed at addressing pressing ocean related challenges.
This year’s competition was structured into two key categories, the Marine Resources Challenge and the Marine Plastic Innovation Challenge, focusing on sustainable resource utilisation and tackling marine plastic pollution.
Participants showcased innovative solutions ranging from marine conservation initiatives to sustainable business concepts that promote the blue economy. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, creativity and a shared commitment to protecting ocean resources for future generations. A panel of esteemed judges evaluated the pitches based on innovation, feasibility, impact and sustainability, making the competition both inspiring and highly competitive.
Winners were announced across both categories, recognising outstanding innovation and impact. In the Marine Resources Challenge category, Navenshia Naidoo secured first position and walked away with R50 000, followed by Gugu Shusha in second position receiving R30 000, while Amanda Mdladla claimed third position and was awarded R20 000.
In the Marine Plastic Innovation Challenge category, Mthobisi Mbatha took first position and received R50 000, with Siyanda Sibiya placing second and receiving R30 000, and Mthokozisi B Mbuthuma securing third position with a prize of R20 000.
Notably, two of the participants, Amanda Mdladla and Siyanda Sibiya, are part of the innobiz DUT incubation programme, further highlighting the programme’s role in nurturing and supporting emerging entrepreneurs.
Sharing her experience, Amanda Mdladla expressed her gratitude and highlighted how innobiz has equipped her with skills, particularly when it comes to pitching.
“Being part of the innobiz DUT incubation programme has played a significant role in shaping my journey as a young entrepreneur. The mentorship, resources and continuous support gave me the confidence to refine my idea and present it on a platform like the Ocean Youth Challenge.
This opportunity has opened many doors for me. Competing among such talented individuals pushed me to think deeper about the impact of my solution, and I am motivated to take my project further and contribute meaningfully to marine sustainability,” she said.
Similarly, Siyanda Sibiya reflected on his journey with innobiz and how it has helped him prepare for this competition.
“The innobiz DUT incubation programme has been instrumental in helping me develop my business concept from an idea into something practical and impactful. The exposure and guidance I received prepared me well for this competition. Participating in the Ocean Youth Challenge was an incredible experience. It not only validated my work but also connected me with like minded innovators and industry experts who are passionate about creating solutions for marine plastic challenges,” he said.
Reflecting on the success of the event, Zanele Mthembu shared insights into the vision and impact of the initiative.
“The Ocean Youth Challenge is more than just a competition; it is a platform designed to empower young people to become active contributors in solving real world ocean challenges. We wanted to create a space where innovation meets purpose, and where young minds can confidently present solutions that have the potential to transform the ocean economy.
This year, we were particularly impressed by the level of creativity and research demonstrated by participants across both categories. The Marine Resources and Marine Plastic Innovation challenges highlighted not only the urgency of these issues but also the incredible potential young people have to drive sustainable change through practical and scalable solutions.
Our goal moving forward is to continue supporting these innovators beyond the event. We aim to connect them with mentorship, funding opportunities and industry networks so that their ideas do not end here but grow into impactful ventures that contribute meaningfully to ocean sustainability and economic development,” she said.
Adding further insight into the significance of student participation in the oceans economy, Ms Ngcobo, Centre Manager at innobiz, emphasised the broader impact of such initiatives.
She noted that the oceans economy remains one of South Africa’s most underutilised yet high potential sectors, with opportunities spanning aquaculture, marine biotechnology, coastal tourism, logistics and renewable energy. She highlighted that seeing student entrepreneurs not only enter but excel in this space signals a critical shift, where young innovators are aligning their ideas with national priority sectors.
Ms Ngcobo said this is vital for both economic growth and sustainability, as students bring fresh thinking, technology driven solutions and a strong sense of environmental responsibility, demonstrating that the next generation is ready to contribute meaningfully to inclusive economic development.
She further outlined that the success of these student entrepreneurs is largely driven by innobiz’s structured and supportive ecosystem. This includes a clear entrepreneurial development pathway that guides students from idea validation to building viable businesses, as well as access to mentorship and industry exposure which provides practical insights and credibility.
Ms Ngcobo added that skills development in key areas such as business modelling, pitching, financial planning and market analysis equips students with essential tools, while funding opportunities and pitching platforms motivate them to scale their ideas. Additionally, interdisciplinary collaboration among students from diverse fields fosters innovative and well rounded solutions, ultimately producing resilient and market ready entrepreneurs.
Encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs, Ms Ngcobo shared that the oceans economy presents vast untapped opportunities and urged young innovators to explore spaces that are often overlooked. She advised entrepreneurs to focus on identifying real challenges within coastal and marine industries, leveraging technology and sustainability as competitive advantages, and building strong partnerships with researchers, communities and industry players.
She concluded by emphasising that the sector should not be seen as exclusive to large corporations, but rather as a space where agile and innovative entrepreneurs can start small, grow strategically and ultimately make a lasting impact while building sustainable, future focused businesses.
The winners not only received financial support but also gained valuable exposure and networking opportunities that will help propel their ventures forward.
The event highlighted the critical role young people play in shaping a sustainable future and reinforced the importance of collaboration, innovation and youth driven solutions in tackling global environmental challenges.
Pictured: Amanda Mdladla receiving her prize money to the tune of R20 000.
